The local NHS is reminding people of where to go if they need health advice or treatment over the Christmas holiday period.

During bank holidays, when GP practices will be closed, people should contact NHS 111 in the first instance – unless it is a 999 emergency.

NHS 111 will direct people to the most appropriate local health service, which could include an out of hours GP, a local Walk-in Centre, a pharmacy, or hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department.

If patients are assessed as needing A&E, they will be given a booked time slot to reduce waiting times and ensure that they are safely socially-distanced from other patients.

However, people should still dial 999 in a medical emergency, such as a suspected stroke or heart attack.

Dr Fiona Lemmens, a GP and Chair of NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“No one wants to get ill over Christmas, but it’s important to know where to get health advice and treatment, just in case you or a loved one does become unwell. This year we’re advising all patients to contact NHS 111 first if you need to see a health professional whilst your usual GP surgery is closed.

“By contacting NHS 111 you will still be able to see a local GP if required, or they may direct you to another more appropriate service such as a local Walk-in Centre or hospital department instead.”

Dr Lemmens adds, “Don’t forget that there are also lots of things you can do to help prevent illness over Christmas, such as making sure that you order any repeat prescriptions early so you don’t run out of medication, visiting your pharmacy for advice on home remedies, and getting your free flu vaccine as soon as possible if you’re eligible for one.”

For treatment of minor illness and injuries patients can also still access a local Walk In Centre (open 8am-8pm daily) by calling 0300 100 1004 to pre-book an appointment.

You can find opening times and more information on Walk-in Centres here.

You can also visit your local pharmacist for advice or treatment for a wide range of minor winter illnesses and ailments too. Many now offer longer opening hours – including over evening and weekends.

You can find the full list of Christmas opening times for local pharmacies here.

If you need help with coronavirus symptoms, please visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or for local testing, please visit: https://liverpool.gov.uk.

For further NHS advice on how to stay well over winter, visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell.